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- Lawrance J-1, Radial 9 Engine
Lawrance J-1, Radial 9 Engine
Object Details
- Physical Description
- Type: Reciprocating, 9 cylinders, radial, air-cooled
- Power rating: 149 kW (200 hp) at 1,800 rpm
- Displacement: 12.9 L (787 cu in)
- Bore and Stroke: 114 mm (4.5 in.) x 140 mm (5.5 in.)
- Weight: 202 kg (445 lb)
- Summary
- Charles Lawrance, originally a race car engine designer, built his first air-cooled aircraft engine in 1921 for a Navy contract. The J-1 was the first practical American radial and satisfied a Navy need for a compact lightweight engine for use on aircraft carriers, not plagued with water leakage problems.
- Used in aircraft such as the Curtiss TS-1, the engine had superior performance, weighed less, and was easier to maintain than liquid-cooled engines in comparable aircraft. With encouragement from the Navy, Lawrance merged with Wright, and the J-1 developed into the famous Whirlwind series. Despite its higher initial cost relative to other engines available at the time, the Whirlwind’s reliability and lower operating cost resulted in widespread use.
- The most famous Wright Whirlwind application was the 1927 New York-to-Paris flight of Charles Lindbergh. In 1928, Charles Lawrance was awarded the Collier Trophy for the outstanding performance of his engines based on records set in 1927.
- Credit Line
- Gift of the University of California, Berkeley
- Data Source
- National Air and Space Museum
- Date
- Circa 1922
- Inventory Number
- A19860286000
- Designer
- Lawrance Aero Engine Corp
- Manufacturer
- Wright Aeronautical
- Restrictions & Rights
- CC0
- Type
- PROPULSION-Reciprocating & Rotary
- Materials
- Steel, Aluminum, Rubber, Wood, Paint, Preservative coating
- Dimensions
- Other: 43 1/2 x 42in. (110.5 x 106.7cm)
- Approximate (Weight on stand): 365.1kg (805lb.)
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- See more items in
- National Air and Space Museum Collection
- Record ID
- nasm_A19860286000
- Usage
- CC0
Related Object Groups
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